18 Afghan soldiers killed in army base attack

The Taliban in Afghanistan killed at least 18 soldiers in an attack on a military base in southern Kandahar province on late Thursday, local media reported.

According to the local Tolo TV, 16 soldiers were also wounded, while four others were kidnaped in the attack that took place in Shah Wali Kot district.

The clash between the Afghan military personnel and the insurgents lasted till 3.a.m local time Friday (2230 GMT Thursday).

Samim Khpalwak, spokesman for the provincial government, confirmed the attack. He, however, declined to comment on the number of casualties.

"I can confirm that the armed insurgents attacked a military base in the district. Our security teams are investigating it," he told Anadolu Agency.

Khpalwak said 20 attackers were killed in the gun battle.

Meanwhile, the Taliban in a message posted on their website claimed to have killed 35 soldiers.

It was the second attack of this kind in a week.

On late Monday, at least ten members of the Afghan National Army were killed in an attack on their base in Arghandab district of same province.

Also, on April 21, the Taliban stormed the headquarters of the ANA in the north, the 209-Shaheen Corps in northern Balkh province, at a time when the soldiers were either having lunch of performing the Friday prayers in a mosque inside the heavily guarded compound.

The hours-long clashes left up to 150 soldiers dead.